Variable Output Orientation Transmission with Cable Divert Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material handling systems require the ability to vary the output orientation of transmissions to efficiently direct articles along different paths, which is not effectively addressed by conventional transmissions with fixed output orientations.
Innovation Solution
A variable output orientation transmission system that includes a cable divert mechanism to pivot a plurality of drive rollers, allowing the output orientation to be changed by rotating the output rollers about a first axis of rotation, enabling articles to be diverted from one path to another.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transmissions with fixed output orientations are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different conveying paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The output roller is made rotatable about a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the conveying surface, allowing the output orientation to be dynamically adjusted while the transmission remains in a fixed location. This dynamic element enables the same transmission to serve multiple conveying paths without requiring multiple fixed transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
A single transmission unit with a rotatable output roller can direct articles to multiple different paths by changing the output orientation. This multi-functional capability replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate transmissions positioned at different locations, each handling a specific path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed transmissions are used to cover different conveying paths, then each transmission is simple and reliable, but the overall system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transmission functions are merged into a single transmission unit by enabling the output roller to rotate about a first axis. This consolidation allows one transmission to perform the work of multiple fixed transmissions, reducing the overall system footprint and eliminating redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The output roller is given an additional degree of freedom by allowing rotation about a first axis perpendicular to the conveying surface. This dimensional change enables the output direction to vary in a new dimension, allowing a single transmission to cover multiple paths that would otherwise require spatially distributed transmissions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the output orientation is made variable, then the adaptability to different paths is improved, but the mechanical complexity of the transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The output roller is made rotatable about a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the conveying surface, allowing the output orientation to be dynamically adjusted while the transmission remains in a fixed location. This dynamic element enables the same transmission to serve multiple conveying paths without requiring multiple fixed transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable output roller acts as an intermediary between the fixed transmission body and the variable conveying paths. It translates the fixed rotational motion from the transmission into variable linear motion directions, decoupling the complexity of orientation adjustment from the core transmission mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying surface is defined by outputs with respective orientations that can be varied while maintaining the input in a constant orientation, and which can be used to more than a single direction. Power may be transmitted from a source of linear power to the conveying surface through rotation about an axis perpendicular to the conveying surface. A cable divert mechanism can change the respective orientations of the outputs to divert articles onto more than a single direction.